Easy Flaxseed Bread for Hormone and Gut Health

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Looking for a fibre-rich, hormone-supportive bread that’s also gluten-free? This Easy Flaxseed Bread is a nourishing choice for women wanting to support their cycle naturally. It’s packed with hormone-friendly ingredients, easy to prepare, and perfect for anyone following a low FODMAP or biphasic meal plan.

Made primarily from flaxseeds, this loaf is ideal for seed cycling, a gentle method used to support oestrogen and progesterone balance throughout the menstrual cycle. If you’re new to seed cycling, check out my blog post explaining the process and evidence behind it: Seed Cycling and Hormones: How to Support Your Cycle Naturally. Or, download my free Seed Cycling Beginners Guide!

Why This Bread Supports Women’s Hormones

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are a rich source of lignans, a type of phytoestrogen that helps modulate oestrogen activity in the body (Kajla et al., 2015). They're also high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fat that supports inflammation balance and hormone production (Goyal et al., 2014).

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E and selenium, both of which are essential for luteal phase support and progesterone synthesis. They’re also part of the second phase in the seed cycling protocol for their progesterone-supportive nutrients.

Psyllium Husk

Psyllium is a soluble fibre that helps maintain healthy bowel movements and supports the detoxification of excess hormones via the digestive system, a key aspect of hormone balance and oestrogen clearance (Slavin, 2013).

Flaxseed Bread

Ingredients:

• 300 g flaxseeds (whole)

• 40 g sunflower seeds

• 35 g psyllium husk

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp pepper

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 350 mL warm water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 160°C (fan-forced). Line a loaf tin with baking paper.

2. In a food processor, grind flaxseeds until they resemble a coarse flour.

3. Transfer to a large bowl and add sunflower seeds, psyllium husk, baking powder, pepper, and salt. Mix well.

4. In a jug, whisk together warm water, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.

5. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.

6. Press dough evenly into prepared tin.

7. Bake for 50 minutes or until firm and cooked through.

8. Let cool before slicing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Low FODMAP and Biphasic Friendly

This bread is naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and low FODMAP in small servings, making it suitable for those following gut-healing protocols like the biphasic diet. Psyllium and flax are both tolerated well in moderate amounts and can be incredibly supportive for digestion and regularity during gut healing.

If You Loved This Recipe, You Might Also Like:

• 5 Seed Crackers: Fibre-rich, anti-inflammatory snacks to support oestrogen clearance

• Tahini Fudge: Great for progesterone support and postpartum healing

• Flaxseed Crepes: A versatile base for luteal-phase meals or breakfast

References

Goyal, A., Sharma, V., Upadhyay, N., Gill, S., & Sihag, M. (2014). Flax and flaxseed oil: An ancient medicine & modern functional food. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 51(9), 1633–1653. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-013-1247-9

Kajla, P., Sharma, A., & Sood, D. R. (2015). Flaxseed—a potential functional food source. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 52(4), 1857–1871. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-013-1247-9

Slavin, J. (2013). Fibre and prebiotics: Mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients, 5(4), 1417–1435. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5041417